Vision MayJune 2015

The Vision

Wentzville Missouri – USA

The Crossroads Of The Nation

Your Source for City of Wentzville News

May/June 2015

Utility Tax Refund Reminder Through May 30, eligible residents can apply for a City-utility tax refund. The refund amount is a portion of the “City Tax” or “Franchise Tax” listed on the resident’s electric, gas and phone bills during 2014. To be eligible for the refund, individuals must rent or own their primary residence in the City of Wentzville, be at least 65 years old or considered totally disabled by Social Security, and have a maximum 2014 gross income of $37,600 for single-person households and $43,000 for married-couple households. This refund program is based on your total gross income for filing year 2014, social security income included. Refunds are only available for the months when the resident lived in Wentzville and was at least 65 years old or considered totally disabled.

Residents can apply for the refund at City Hall (310 W. Pearce Blvd.) or at Public Works (200 E. Fourth St.). When applying for the refund, residents will need proof of income, residency (such as a current utility bill), age and/or disability, and copies of their gas, electric and primary phone bills for the months they were eligible.

Also, to comply with Missouri’s section 208.009, which prohibits a local public benefit being distributed to illegal aliens, residents will also be required to present one of the following: a driver’s license, Social Security card or birth certificate. For more information, please call the Finance Department at (636) 639-2155.

New Businesses Generations (Resale) 1842 W. Pearce Blvd.

Pulp Marketing 24 West Main St., Suite 316

2015 St. Louis Renaissance Faire in Wentzville The St. Louis Renaissance Faire is a long-standing event that brings adventure, excitement and the spirit of the Renaissance! Travel back in time as you step into the wooded, 16th century French village known as Petit Lyon! Roam the village shoppes for unique crafts as our artisans demonstrate period skills like blacksmithing and woodworking.

Delight in comedy, music, magic, and more on live entertainment stages. Feast on delicious food and drink from the far reaches of the globe, and interact with May 16-June 14, plus Memorial Day the colorful villagers, nobles, peasants and characters of ages past.

Children will love the petting zoo, games and free daily activities. Adults will enjoy the three thematic pubs. There is truly something for everyone at the St. Louis Renaissance Faire ― free parking, live armored jousting, five themed weekends, 12 stages of live entertainment, more than 100 local artisan shops, food, drinks and more! Content for this article is based on information at www.stlrenfest.com.

Summer Street Repairs Call for Caution There are three major road projects scheduled for construction in Wentzville that may impact travel times this summer. The City is adding a center turn lane on Wentzville Parkway from William Dierberg Drive to Schroeder Creek Boulevard. This work is expected to begin in mid-May. The City is also scheduled to contract for full pavement reconstruction on Corporate Parkway with work expected to begin in mid-July. Also in July, MoDOT expects to begin construction of a roundabout at the all-way stop intersection of Highway Z at Church Street and the west-bound off-ramp from Interstate 70. The City has also scheduled a considerable amount of slab replacement throughout Wentzville subdivisions during the summer months as well.

Motorists should plan extra time into their travel plans so they can slow down and use caution when driving through these construction areas. Also, please avoid driving distractions like cell phones, eating or anything else that draws your attention from the road. It only takes a second of inattention to cause an accident. Please drive safely this summer. To find out where various construction projects are taking place around the City, please visit http://www.wentzvillemo.org/engineering-project-updates.aspx.

INSIDE: Staff Recognition, Parks Update and more!

Good to KNOW

Pictured: Back row - Mike Barker and Bill Jacobs; Front row - Bill Rhodes, Vi Skillman and Rob Clemens (not pictured Sgt. John Sinopole).

200 Years of Dedicated Service

The City of Wentzville is proud of its hard-working, dedicated staff. Combined, six current staff members have worked almost 200 years as City employees. We applaud them for their commitment to our City and to our residents! Read the Q&A below for a quick look back at their years with the City.

Mike Barker

Year you started with the City: 1988 / Departments you’ve worked in: Streets and Parks & Recreation / Describe a favorite memory: When I started to work for Parks & Rec. / What’s the biggest change since you started? The biggest change is the growth / What’s stayed the same? The small-town atmosphere.

Bill Jacobs

Year you started with the City: 1987 / Departments you’ve worked in: Water and Wastewater / Describe a favorite memory: When Gov. Nixon visited the treatment plant. / What’s the biggest change since you started? The growth of the City. / What’s stayed the same? My dedication to a job well done.

Bill Rhodes

Year you started with the City: 1978 / Departments you’ve worked in: Streets and Water / What’s the biggest change since you started? The growth of the population from under 3,000 to over 30,000. What’s stayed the same? Some buildings and businesses have always been in the same spot ― the City’s street shed and water control building, the MFA exchange, Pete’s Drive In, Ehll’s Western Auto and Cuzzin Charlie’s farm and home, to name a few.

Vi Skillman

Year you started with the City: 1980 / Departments you’ve worked in: Administration / Describe a favorite memory: The most unusual memory for me was kissing a pig during a City event to raise money for a charity, and having a picture on the front page of the local newspaper. / What’s the biggest change since you started? The 968% growth in population, since I started. The biggest change for me has been technology. When I started working for the City, I calculated each water/sewer bill manually. Soon after I started, an IBM computer was installed, which was a more efficient way to prepare the bills. However, the equipment took up so much office space and was so loud that it was hard to talk with customers. / What’s stayed the same? City Hall’s address on Pearce and the length of board meetings. In the 1980s, meetings sometimes ran as late as 2 a.m.

Rob Clemens

Year you started with the City: 1977 / Departments you’ve worked in: When I started at the City, there were a total of eight employees ― from a Superintendent, Streets, Water, Wastewater and Parks Department that would help each other. As the City grew, my primary job turned to Water and Wastewater. With the addition of the Wastewater plant and lift stations, I was asked to start a Maintenance Department, which grew into the Service Department. At this time, the Service Department has developed into Facility Operations. / Describe a favorite memory: With this many years at the City, I have many favorite memories, but meeting new people and some of them becoming lifelong friends is the best memory of all. / What’s the biggest change since you started? What’s stayed the same? The growth from 3,000 to 36,000; nothing has stayed the same.

Sgt. John Sinopole

Year you started with the City: Since 1987; I joined the reserve unit in 1985. / Departments you’ve worked in: Police / Describe a favorite memory: I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the sharpest minds in the criminal justice field during my career. / What’s the biggest change since you started? The biggest change is the enormous growth ― both commercial and residential. / What’s stayed the same? The railroad tracks that run through town.

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Our Businesses Go the Extra Mile

Mayor’s MESSAGE

From donations to school groups to volunteering at clean-up events, Wentzville businesses and their employees continually make our community a better place to live and work. During the Board of Aldermen meeting on Wednesday, March 25, two such companies were recognized for their above-and-beyond service to our community.

The Wentzville Sam’s Club was recognized for a recent award. The Helen R. Walton “Excellence in Community Leadership” Award was created in 1988 in recognition of Helen Walton’s dedication to serving others. Through the Wentzville Sam’s Club, various organizations in Wentzville and in surrounding communities have received benefits through associates’ volunteer hours and monetary assistance at a value of $96,408.62. The Wentzville Sam’s Club is the first to receive this award in the St. Louis area. Wentzville residents and impacted organizations genuinely appreciate the contributions that the Club and its associates have made to our community.

Mayor In 2014, the Wentzville Walmart was Nickolas Guccione selected as the Supercenter of the Year.

The Wentzville Walmart has made it a priority to actively involve company employees and to provide resources in the Wentzville community.

A long-time community staple, the Wentzville Dairy Queen, has won its share of awards for community giving. For the last three years, the restaurant has ranked as the number one or number two Dairy Queen nationwide for raising the most donations for Children’s Miracle Network.

I’m very proud to serve as Mayor for such a caring and generous community. I’d like to share a special thank you to the Wentzville businesses, employees and residents who’ve gone above and beyond to make a difference!

Wentzville Sam’s Club employees accept certificate of recognition from Mayor Guccione.

Staff UPDATE Board of Aldermen Appoints New Assistant City Administrator During the Feb. 11 Board of Aldermen meeting, board members approved the Mayor’s appointment of David Gipson as the City’s new Assistant City Administrator. Gipson assumed the responsibilities of this new position in March.

The search for the City’s new Assistant City Administrator began in 2014. This position assists in the administration of City government by facilitating dayto-day operations, providing support services and performing research and data-collection duties for the City of Wentzville.

Since January 2012, Gipson has served as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Richmond Heights, Mo. Previously, he worked for the City of St. Charles, Mo., in various capacities from 2004-2011 – serving as a planner, government relations specialist and the planning manager.

Gipson holds a bachelor’s degree in planning from Missouri State University in Springfield and a master’s degree in public policy administration from the University of Missouri, with an emphasis in local government management.

Gipson also completed the Emerging Leaders Development Program offered by the International City/County Management Association and the Academy for Leadership in Local Governance through the University of Missouri’s Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs.

The City of Wentzville welcomes Gipson to its management team. City Administrator Robert Bartolotta said, “With his hiring, all top-level positions are filled for the first time in many years. The City is fortunate to have a top-flight team of professionals to carry out the policies of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.”

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Upcoming EVENTS Sunday

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Park Board Meeting, 7 p.m.*

Coffee Talk with the Mayor, 12:30 p.m.*

City Offices Closed

Planning and Zoning, 6 p.m.*

Alderman Town Hall, 6:30 p.m.*

Board of Aldermen, 6 p.m.*

Board of Adjustment, 6:30 p.m.*

Downtown Committee, 6 p.m.*

Board of Aldermen, 6 p.m.*

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Splash Station and Progress Pool open for 2015 season!

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Tuesday Planning and Zoning, 6 p.m.*

Alderman Town Hall, 6:30 p.m.*

Board of Aldermen, 6 p.m.*

Board of Aldermen, 6 p.m.*

Board of Adjustment, 6:30 p.m.*

Downtown Committee, 6 p.m.*

Stormwater Committee, 6 p.m.*

Superhero Hustle, learn more at wentzvillemo.org.

These events will be held at City Hall (310 W. Pearce Blvd.). All meetings are subject to change. Please check the Calendar of Events at www.wentzvillemo.org for the most up-to-date information.

From the BOARD Let’s Stop Litter in its Tracks!

Hear from some of these amazing kids in Ald. Wright’s Board Update video: http://bit.ly/ward3update.

Litter has become a big problem and our tax dollars have to be used to deal with it. Unintentional or accidental acts of littering happen every day – and most of us are oblivious. You might drop a wrapper at your kid’s ball game or knock trash out when you open the car door. It happens, we’ve all done it. But to keep our little corner of the world beautiful and put those tax dollars to better use, we are challenging you to be better stewards. Join some outstanding sixth graders (aka the Litter Busters) at Wentzville Middle in thinking about small changes you can make or consider taking the Toss 10 on Tuesday Challenge.

Students are currently working on civic action projects to reverse litter. One group developed strategies around this idea: “to help businesses and Holt High School have more effective waste and litter practices and policies, we will work with staff and customers to offer suggestions for improvements that help prevent litter.” They talked with maintenance crews, are proposing additional trash cans and are doing their own litter pickups.

Another group of middle-school students hope to “encourage customers of fast food restaurants and local stores to stop littering and clean up after themselves.” Their goal is a cleaner community that attracts more businesses. Students plan to: raise awareness of the problem; convince companies to make trash cans more noticeable; and challenge and motivate customers to prevent and pick up litter on their own. Students are making fliers, talking to elementary classrooms and even created a game booth at the GM Earth Day Festival. Check out their video at www.wentzvillemo.org .

If these groups of students can make such an impact in our community, just think what could happen if more of our residents — residents just like you — made a conscious choice to reduce litter. Plastic bags and plastic bottles are two of the main sources of litter in our community. Eliminate plastic bags by taking reusable ones with you to shop. Use refillable water bottles to stay hydrated. Otherwise, make sure these lightweight materials don’t become litter by flying out of truck beds. These three easy steps will make a significant impact on the litter around us.

Want to take it a step further? Tackle the City’s new Toss 10 on Tuesday challenge. We’re encouraging businesses, schools, and individuals to reverse litter by picking up 10 pieces of trash and recyclables each Tuesday. Think about it … if for just one year, 5,000 people (one in every six in Wentzville) tossed 10 pieces of litter a week into the trash or recycling bin, we could reduce litter by 2.6 million pieces.

It’s easy and effective! Each Tuesday, set aside a time to pick up 10 pieces of litter and toss them into the trash or a recycling bin. Pick up two at a time, 10 at a time or go the extra mile and pick up even more!

• Encourage your friends and colleagues to pick up 10 pieces of litter.

• Create a new family tradition.

• After a sporting event, have each member of the team pick up 10 pieces of litter.

• Snap a pic and email your success (with the subject “Toss 10 on Tuesday”) to socialmedia@wentzvillemo.org.

On April 7, Wentzville residents went to the polls to vote

for the candidates they want to lead and serve the City for the next two years. Meet your newly elected City officials!

Alderman, Ward 1: Chery Kross (re-elected) Alderman, Ward 2: Sonya Shryock Alderman, Ward 3: Matt Swanson Municipal Judge: Michael Carter

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Wentzville PARKS & REC

Park Update

We are very excited to announce that Heartland Park is officially open! Heartland Park, which is located at 100 William Dierberg Dr., features two synthetic turf fields, two grass fields, a walking trail, a boardwalk over portions of the lake, and restrooms.

Future park plans for Phase 2 include a concession stand, playground and an outdoor nature learning area. The park will host soccer tournaments, flag football and lacrosse games, youth cricket clinics, soccer fest events and more. We’re excited to offer these new outdoor amenities to the Wentzville community!

City staff is currently working on the new Peruque Valley Park baseball/softball complex. This project has been bid as a series of projects. The first phase will bring off-site utilities (water and sewer) to the park, while the second phase relates to grading the site and installing some of the on-site utilities. There are several other phases involving constructing the parking lots and structures on the site, installing landscaping and ball-field related infrastructure, and maintenance-related facilities.

We expect to have construction complete in 2016.

Parks Master Plan

The Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with PROS Consulting to complete a Citywide master planning process.

Public input has been sought to provide feedback about the facilities and amenities our residents want and need. As a part of this process, we will host a series of public forums, workshops and focus-group interviews. We will also conduct a statistically valid needs-assessment survey and will solicit your feedback throughout the process via our website. To stay up to date on the process, or to offer your input, please frequently check the “quick links” on our website at http://bit.ly/wentzville_parks or follow Wentzville Parks and Recreation on Facebook.

City Pools Open May 23

Grab your sunglasses, beach towels and sunscreen and kick off summer at Splash Station or Progress Pool. Both pools open on Saturday, May 23 for the 2015 season. The pools will be open May 23-25 for the Memorial Day weekend and will be open daily beginning May 28. Splash Station will be open each day from noon to 6:30 p.m. and Progress Pool will be open daily from noon until 5 p.m.

The swim season will run through Aug. 12, except in cases of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. After Aug. 12, both pools will remain open on weekends until Sept. 6, as well as Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.

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Did You KNOW? Backflow Test Reports Due June 1

Wentzville requires all commercial and residential Irrigation Backflow Prevention Devices to be tested by a State Certified Backflow Tester. This requirement also applies to systems that are not used. Test reports should be sent to the Public Works Department at 200 E. Fourth St., Attn: Backflow Testing, Wentzville, MO 63385 or fax to (636) 327-4892. If reports are not received by June 1, accounts will be assessed a $30 per month late fee. Questions? Please call the Wentzville Water Division at (636) 327-5102.

Public Service Recognition

Celebrated the first week of May since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) is organized annually by the Public Employees Roundtable and its member organizations to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees.

The theme for 2015 PSRW is “Government Works.” Public servants do amazing things across our great nation, around the world, and in our hometown and community. So, take a moment this month to thank a public service employee for their dedication to a job well done!

Runner/Walker Safety Tips

Below are a few personal-safety tips from the Wentzville Park Rangers.

1. Run with a partner or a dog.

2. Don’t wear headphones.

3. Stay alert. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.

4. Know your route, and avoid isolated areas.

5. Carry a lifeline. A cell phone is your best friend in an emergency.

6. Trust your instincts.

7. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll return.

8. Choose well lit areas where other people are present.

If you see suspicious activity, call 911 immediately.

If you are the victim of a theft, report the incident to the police promptly. Police need citizens to file reports so they can monitor crime trends and patterns. Once police have a good idea of when, where and how crimes are being committed, they can better solve the problem. For additional information, please contact the Park Rangers at (636) 639-2143.

Lock it or Lose It! Parks and recreational facilities can sometimes be targets for theft. The Wentzville Parks and Recreation Department and the Wentzville Police Department encourage all parks and recreation facility users to exercise a common-sense approach to protecting your valuables when visiting our facilities.

• Leave your valuables at home. Take only what you will absolutely need at the gym and leave the rest at home.

• Lock your car. The most important thing you can do to secure items in your car is to lock your car door every time or take your valuables with you.

• Put your valuables in the trunk. If you do not take your valuables out of your vehicle, then lock these items securely in the trunk.

• Set the alarm. Set your alarm or anti-theft device if you have it; it can be an effective deterrent to an auto burglar who likes to choose easy targets. Don’t use hide-a-keys; thieves know the best places to find them.

• Be choosy where you park. Whether at the gym or just the park, try to park in busy, well-traveled and well-lit areas; be aware of your surroundings.

• Use the locker nearest the door/desk. Often visiting the gym, many people think the locker in the back corner of the locker room is the best. While you may enjoy a certain amount of privacy, the thieves like that privacy too but for different reasons.

• Bring your own lock or use a lock provided by the facility. Most workout facilities allow you to use your own lock. In fact, they encourage it. With a key lock there is no combination to forget or lose. Disc locks are much harder to cut through due to their design.

• Keep your valuables with you. If you keep all your valuables (wallet, iPod, keys, cellphone, etc.) in a small bag, you can most likely bring it with you into the workout area. This option eliminates the need for a locker altogether (other than for toiletries and a towel). A small bag will not intrude on anyone else’s experience, and you will have a sense of security knowing that your valuables are right next to you. Just don’t leave it unattended!

• Consider your clothes. Designer clothing or shoes are just as apt to be stolen as your wallet or any electronic device, so do not bring expensive attire.

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Wentzville, MO Permit #14

Wentzville Missouri – USA

The Crossroads Of The Nation

310 W. Pearce Blvd.

Wentzville, MO 63385

4th of July Celebration

Don’t miss the annual 4th of July celebration and parade. Everyone is invited to participate in the parade by making or designing a float. This year’s theme is, “United We Stand ― Proudly We Serve.” Floats will be judged for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place. After the parade, join us for the annual celebration. The parade application and guidelines can be obtained from the Parks & Recreation office or online at www.wentzvillemo.org.

Please note, parade participants may not throw items from a car or a float. Individuals walking next to a car or float may hand out candy or items while walking the parade route.

After the parade, join us at Progress Park for a day of fun activities. The event is FREE, with the exception of reasonably priced concessions (please no outside coolers).

EVENT SCHEDULE: Parade: 10 a.m. Free Swim: Noon-5 p.m.

(Progress Pool ONLY); Inflatables & face painting: 5-8:45 p.m.; Live Music: 6-9 p.m.; Fireworks: 9:05 p.m.

Large-Item Pickup

The week of May 4-8, the City will offer free large-item pickup. During that week, residents must place bulky items out for pick up on their regularly scheduled collection day by 6 a.m.

Large-item disposal is limited to four items per free pickup. Questions? Please call (636) 639-2049.

Holiday Trash Pickup Schedule The week of May 26, trash pickup days will move back by one day to allow for the Memorial Day holiday. Monday pickups will move to Tuesday, Tuesday pickups will move to Wednesday, and so forth, ending with Friday pickups taking place on Saturday, May 30.

The Independence Day holiday will not affect our trash pickup schedule this year. Questions? Please call Public Works at (636) 639-2049.

Solicitors License

All solicitors are required to obtain a badge from the City Clerk’s office. The solicitor is to wear the badge on the front of his/her outer garment. A solicitor is a person who attempts to make personal contact with a resident at his/her residence, without prior specific invitation or appointment from the resident, for the primary purpose of attempting to sell a good or service. A solicitor can also be a person who distributes handbills or fliers for a commercial purpose, advertising an event, activity, good or service that is offered to the resident for purchase at a location away from the residence or at a time different from the time of visit.

If individuals or groups are coming to your home or you see them in your neighborhood and they are not wearing a badge, please contact the Wentzville Police Department at (636) 327-5105.

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